Lewis Capaldi Named 2019 Artist of the Year, sponsored by Selina I Debbie Gwyther to receive Manager of the Year, sponsored by YouTube Music
The Music Managers Forum (MMF) and Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) are delighted to announce final details of the 2019 Artist & Manager Awards (A&MAs), with Lewis Capaldi named Artist Of The Year, in association with Selina, and Debbie Gwyther (FEAR) to receive Manager of the Year in association with YouTube Music.This years A&MAs takes place at London’s Bloomsbury Big Top on Thursday November 14th. Selina are our headline sponsors, and BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens will host and present.The stratospheric rise of Lewis Capaldi has been the irrefutable story of 2019.At this point last year, and following support slots with Niall Horan and Sam Smith, Lewis was already headlining theatre venues across the UK. Certainly impressive for a debut artist. Twelve months on, however, and he is a genuine superstar - with a number one album, Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent, under his belt, and sold-out arena shows stretching into 2020. Cemented by a winning approach to social media, this trajectory is being repeated on a global basis - with Lewis bowling over audiences in the US, across Europe and Australia. He is a deserved winner of our Artist of the Year Award, sponsored by Selina.Sandie Shaw, FAC Board Director and Honorary President, said:
“Congratulations to Lewis Capaldi. The Artist of the Year Award had some really strong competition this year, but the FAC felt Lewis’ achievements have been just so extraordinary that he became our unanimous choice. To build such an incredibly strong and immediate bond with your audience, and particularly at this global scale, has been something to behold. That he’s made it look so effortless, and trust me, it won’t have been, makes his success all the more compelling.”
The achievements of Debbie Gwyther have been equally impressive. Alongside UROK’s Sam and Roy Eldridge, who will be presenting this award, Debbie has masterminded the return of Liam Gallagher to centre stage, and delivered two number one albums, with Why Me? Why Not following As You Were to the UK’s top spot in September 2019. Working in partnership, Debbie, Sam and Roy have also guided Liam to astonishing live success, reinvigorating Oasis classics alongside his newer material for a run of celebratory and sold out performances. The award for Manager of the Year is sponsored by YouTube Music.Annabella Coldrick, CEO, MMF, said:
“Selecting a ‘Manager of the Year’ is always a massive challenge, but Debbie’s impact over the past 12 months has been undeniable. We all know that Liam Gallagher is one of the UK’s greatest, most enduring and recognisable rock stars, but behind the scenes is a story of incredible team work and collaboration - all with the goal of putting Liam back where he belongs. MMF are delighted to recognise Debbie’s success and thrilled that Sam and Roy have agreed to present the Award. Why her? Why not!”
The MMF and FAC are also today revealing the shortlists for Breakthrough Artist of the Year (sponsored by Spotify) and Breakthrough Manager of the Year (sponsored by BMI).Winners of these categories will be announced on the night.Breakthrough Artist of the Year (sponsored by Spotify)AitchDaveFontaines D.C.Freya RidingsMahaliaSam FenderYoung T & BugseyBreakthrough Manager of the Year (sponsored by BMI)Amy Frenchum (Ezra Collective/Yazmin Lacey)Andy Musgrave - Supernature (AJ Tracey/Murlo/MISOGI/Conducta)Louise Latimer & Milo Ross - Golden Arm (Goat Girl/The Big Moon/Self Esteem)Mark Bent - Mother Artist Management (Idles/Heavy Lungs/Avaera)Michael Adex - Northern Quarterz (Aitch)Nike Durosaro - (Shakka)Shane ‘Mizermilli’ Derozario - MizerMillion Entertainment (MoStack/Rxwntree/JT)Sophie Bloggs - YMU (Kurupt FM/Danny Howard/Krystal Klear/Hannah Wants)As previously announced, other confirmed winners at the 2019 Artist & Manager Awards are Nile Rodgers(Artists’ Artist Award, sponsored by PPL), Rebecca Boulton and Andy Robinson (Managers’ Manager Award), Neneh Cherry (Pioneer Award, sponsored by Facebook), Sam Fender and Owain Davies (FanFair Alliance Outstanding Contribution To Live Music), Andy Varley (Entrepreneur Award) and Sandy Dworniak(Writer/Producer Manager, sponsored by Songtrust).Our 2019 Awards headline sponsor is the disruptive hospitality brand Selina. Founded in Latin America in 2015 and now operating in 52 locations throughout the world including the UK, Selina blend beautifully-designed accommodation with co-working facilities, recreation, wellness and local experiences - working with local artists, creators and tastemakers.The A&MAs is now close to selling out. For last minute table or individual bookings, please email jayne@themmf.net or visit https://amawards.org